Kristin Struble, MD, FAAP
Submitted photo
By Kristin Struble, MD, FAAP | Camelback Pediatrics
As a pediatrician, I’ve spent years in medicine witnessing the toll that stress, anxiety and isolation take on our minds and bodies. One thing that can help with these issues is exposure to arts and cultural activities.
The arts aren’t just a “nice-to-have;” they’re a lifeline and a transformative force for mental and physical health. In my practice, I’ve seen firsthand how creativity heals, connects and rebuilds lives. It’s time we stopped treating the arts as a luxury and started recognizing them as essential medicine for kids, adults and entire communities. Here’s why:
The arts save minds — starting with our kids
The science is undeniable. Engaging in the arts boosts mental health in ways nothing else can touch. A Journal of Positive Psychology study found that people who dive into creative activities like painting, music and theater report higher happiness and lower anxiety and depression levels. For kids, this is a game-changer. A 2018 Arts Council England report showed a 25% jump in well-being for children in arts programs. That’s not just a statistic; that’s a kid who feels seen and learns to express their pain through a paintbrush or a monologue instead of bottling it up.
Why does this matter? The National Institute of Mental Health says 1 in 5 teens will face a serious mental health disorder at some point in their lives. But when arts are introduced, like a theater workshop or storytelling program that comes to schools in low-income areas, something shifts. Kids who were withdrawn start speaking up. They find their voice, their resilience, their joy. The arts give them tools to navigate a world that’s often too heavy for their shoulders.
And it’s not just kids. Adults need this, too. A Psychosomatic Medicine study showed that creating art — whether it’s strumming a guitar or scribbling poetry — slashes cortisol, that nasty stress hormone that keeps us wired and worn out. The arts aren’t just therapy; they’re a rebellion against burnout.
The body heals when the mind creates
The arts don’t just soothe your soul; they strengthen your body. Dance, for example, isn’t just fun; it’s a physical lifeline. The American Journal of Public Health found that dance improves balance and coordination, cutting fall risks for older adults. Music therapy, meanwhile, is a proven tool for pain management and rehab. I’ve met patients who’ve leaned on music to cope with chronic pain when pills alone weren’t enough.
The World Health Organization gets it; they’ve called the arts a cornerstone of health promotion. Creativity sparks movement, connection and healthier choices. It’s not just about feeling good; it’s about living longer, stronger and fuller lives. Arts programs, from mural projects to theater festivals, get people off couches and into communities, building bonds that are as vital to health as any prescription.
We’re failing our communities — but we can fix it
Here’s the gut punch: not everyone gets this kind of medicine. Schools, especially in underserved and underfunded areas, are slashing arts programs to chase test scores. It’s a travesty. When we strip creativity from education, we rob kids of the skills they need to thrive, feel empathy, and learn problem-solving and resilience. And in communities where poverty and trauma are daily realities, that loss is devastating.
Organizations like Act One, an Arizona-based nonprofit group that focuses on bringing no-cost arts education opportunities to Title I schools across the state, are fighting the fight by bringing arts experiences to more than 50,000 students and families each year. But we need more. Policymakers, educators and community leaders must step up and fund arts programs and integrate creativity into every classroom and every community center. Act One’s model includes partnering with schools, libraries and cultural institutions, showing that it’s possible, even on tight budgets. Every child and every family deserves access to the healing power of the arts.
Let’s make the arts non-negotiable
The evidence is screaming at us: the arts are a cornerstone of health, as vital as nutrition or exercise. Through the arts, I’ve seen kids find hope, adults rediscover joy and communities knit themselves back together. But this isn’t just about warm fuzzies; it’s about survival. In a world that’s breaking our spirits, the arts are how we fight back. As community members, we need to demand creativity in our schools and neighborhoods because when we unleash the arts, we’re not just making art; we’re making healthier, stronger, more connected people, and that’s a legacy worth fighting for.
Editor’s note: Kristin Struble, MD, FAAP is a pediatrician at Camelback Pediatrics. She is also an educational adviser for Phoenix-based nonprofit Act One. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
